Dynamic anchor strap for use with a pole for stretching exercise

ABSTRACT

A dynamic anchor strap for use with a stretch pole is described. The strap has a sleeve section with a closed top end and an open bottom end for fitting over one end of the pole. Two handle loops extend from the bottom end of the sleeve. In use, the sleeve is fitted over one end of the stretch pole, and the user puts his hand(s) through the handle loop(s) to perform various stretch exercises.

This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) from U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/331,269, filed May 4, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to exercise equipment, and in particular, it relates to stretching devices used to increase joint mobility and increase flexibility.

2. Description of the Related Art

Maintaining good posture is essential to good health. As people age, muscles lose elasticity resulting in a decrease in joint mobility and range of motion. Furthermore, as the body loses strength over time, it loses its ability to support the skeletal structure of the body resulting in poor posture. This is compounded by the repetitive stress demands of modern day society that promote sitting for prolonged periods (e.g., working at a computer with arms forward or watching television). The most common affliction of a weak musculoskeletal system is a rounded back with the head, arms and shoulders pitched forward. With the head pressing forward the thoracic curvature accentuates resulting in a drop of the sternum and rib cage into diaphragm and lungs; restricting and reducing respiratory capacity. Furthermore, the muscles of the anterior torso adaptively shorten and tighten, restricting shoulder and cervical mobility. To maintain good posture a fitness program must include a comprehensive stretching program to maintain joint mobility.

There are numerous stretching devices in the market. The most common are yoga straps. These are cotton straps 1.5 inches wide and 6 feet to 10 feet in length. Some yoga straps contain buckles while others have D-rings on the ends to create loops or handles in the strap. Yoga straps are used to perform a number of very effective stretches. Because of their simplicity, low cost and extensive use, yoga straps are a commodity in the fitness industry. Another common version of the yoga strap is a yoga strap with loops running the full length of the strap. This gives the user a wide range of anchor points (loops, handles) from which to anchor a foot or hand to perform a given stretch. Again, these types of stretch straps can be found everywhere in fitness.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,845, entitled “Body Stretching Apparatus,” describes a “body stretching apparatus that includes two handgrip placement straps which are connected to a foot support device . . . . Adjustable clips allow the handgrip to be adjusted to the proper length.” U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,745, entitled “Method for Torso Muscle Lengthening,” describes an inelastic strap used to “lengthen front torso muscles in order to reduce forward head position, and to decrease rounded shoulders.”

U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,212, entitled “Device and Kit for Body Stretching”, describes a “device for use in assisting a person to stretch targeted tissue of the body. The stretching device consists of a long, inelastic strap with a fixed loop at one end, and a connector on the other end. The connector has a fixed part and a movable part that, when connected together, form a second loop at the second end of the strap.” Another stretch strap is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,255, entitled “Device for Stretching and Yoga.” The “device consists of a flexible, inelastic strap having a plurality of large loops disposed along the length of the strap and attached thereto. The loops, preferably 1-2 hemp webbing, are dimensioned to fit over large portions of the body extremities during stretching such as the thigh and/or shoulder. The large size the loops enables the user to stretch various muscle groups of muscles without the need for grasping the device. By obviating the need for grasping the device during a stretch, a user can maintain a completely relaxed position during a stretch, employing gravity to provide a stretching force. Ad advantage of stretching while relaxing is that the user may effortlessly hold the stretch longer, thereby enhancing the benefit of the stretch.”

Another class of stretching aids are stretching machines. These are large mechanical devices (which cost several thousands of dollars) designed to stretch a given muscle group. Examples of these types of devices include the Flexibility line from Technogym. This is a very expensive method/option for stretching muscles.

Stretch pole devices have also been described. U.S. Pat. No. 7,578,747, entitled “Exercise and Stretching Pole with Flexible Handle,” describes a “device and method for stretching muscles and increasing body motions to stretch and increase flexibility. The rod has a handle of which at least a portion is flexible so as to be capable of being bent relative to the remainder of the device during use. This flexibility in the handle helps to relieve the stress on the hands and wrists of the user.” This device is designed specifically for golf fitness. U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,256, entitled “Aerobic Apparatus,” describes “an exercise apparatus with two exercise bars, two short exercise bars, a stabilizing bar and a device for coupling the two exercise bars or the two short exercise bars at one end. The exercise bars have removable hand grips for helping the user maintain a grip on the exercise bar, wrist straps to provide a level of safety when exercising with others when the grip is lost on the exercise bar, and a shoe mount that mounts on the stabilizing bar.” In both of these patents, use of the pole apparatus requires that the pole or pole's handle be gripped.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a dynamic anchor strap that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a strap for use with a stretch pole.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the descriptions that follow and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims thereof as well as the drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the present invention provides a strap for use with a stretch pole, which includes: a sleeve having one closed end and one open end; and at least one loop section extending from the open end of the sleeve, the loop section having at least one handle loop.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a strap according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the strap being fitted over an end of a pole and ready to be used for exercise.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b illustrate the strap of FIG. 1 with the sleeve in a closed state but not placed over a pole.

FIG. 3 illustrates two pieces of webbing materials for constructing the strap of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate the strap of FIG. 1 with the sleeve in an open state.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate straps according to alternative embodiments of the present invention having different loop constructions.

FIG. 6 illustrates a strap according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention provide a dynamic anchor strap for use with a pole in stretching exercises. The pole may be, for example, a steel stretch pole of varying lengths (i.e., 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 feet in length). The strap and pole can be used for many exercises that improve overall flexibility, particularly the upper middle back, and muscles of the torso and shoulder.

A dynamic anchor strap according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to FIGS. 1-5 b. FIG. 1 shows the strap 10 fitted over an end of a stretch pole 20 and ready to be used for exercise. FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show the strap 10 (viewed from different angles) with the sleeve 11 in a closed state but not placed over a pole. As shown in FIGS. 1-2 b, a part of the strap 10 forms a sleeve 11 with a closed top end 11 a and an open bottom end 11 b. In use, the sleeve 10 fits over one end of the pole 20, with the closed top 11 a resting over an end surface of the pole 20. Two loop sections 12 extend from the bottom end 11 b of the sleeve 11; each loop section has a handle loop.

The strap 10 is constructed from flat webbing materials by stitching. As shown in FIG. 3, two pieces of webbing materials 13 and 14 are arranged perpendicularly to each other and overlap near their respective center areas 13 a and 14 a, where they are stitched together to form the closed top end 11 a of the sleeve 11. One of the webbings 14 is shorter, the other 13 being longer with a loop section 12 at each end. The webbings 13 and 14 are then arranged into respective upside-down U shapes, with the overlapping area 13 a/14 a being the top of the upside-down U. The four branches of the two upside-down U′s are located adjacent each other, forming the side walls of the sleeve 11. For convenience, webbings 13 and 14 may be referred to as the longitudinal webbings.

Two additional webbings 15 (referred to as the lateral webbings for convenience) are arranged perpendicular to the four branches of the two upside-down U′s, overlapping them, and stitched to them. The lateral webbings 15 therefore hold the four branches of the longitudinal webbings 13/14 together. Preferably, the lateral webbings 15 are located on the outer side of the longitudinal webbings 13/14 when the webbings form the sleeve 11. In other words, when the sleeve 11 is fitted over the pole, the longitudinal webbings 13/14 are in contact with the pole while the lateral webbings 15 are wrapped around the longitudinal webbings 13/14 (see FIG. 1). Alternatively (less preferred), the lateral webbings 15 may be located on the inside side of the longitudinal webbings 13/14.

Preferably, two lateral webbings 15 are provided, the first one being located at the ends of the shorter webbing 13, i.e. at the open end 11 b of the sleeve 11, the second one being located between the first lateral webbing and the top end 11 a. Alternatively, the second lateral webbing may be omitted, or additional lateral webbings may be provided.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show the strap 10 with the sleeve 11 in an open state, where in FIG. 4 a the inside side of the longitudinal webbings 13/14 face the viewer and in FIG. 4 b the outside side of the longitudinal webbings 13/14 face the viewer. As shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, each lateral webbing 15 has an extended section that extends beyond the four branches of the longitudinal webbings 13/14, so that when the sleeve 11 is in the closed state, the lateral webbing 15 can wrap around and overlap with itself. A fabric hook-and-loop fastener (e.g. Velcro) is provided on the surfaces of each lateral webbings 15 so that after wrapping around itself, the end of the lateral webbing can be fastened to another sections of the webbing. This maintains the sleeve 11 in a closed stage. The sleeve 11 can be easily opened and closed by using the hook-and-loop fastener on the lateral webbings 15.

As an alternative to the hook-and-loop fastener, snaps, buckles or other fasteners may be used to secure the end of the lateral webbings 15.

The lateral webbings 15 may also be used to stow one of the two loop sections when only one loop is needed for an exercise. The lateral webbings are opened and unwrapped; the one loop section to be stowed is folded upwards against the sleeve 11, and the lateral webbings are then wrapped around both the sleeve and the folded loop section to secure the loop section.

While allowing for an open state of the sleeve 11 makes is easier to fit the sleeve over the pole 20, this is not essential. Thus, in an alternative embodiment, the lateral webbing 15 is stitched to the four branches of the longitudinal webbings 13/14 and stitched into a closed loop to hold the longitudinal webbings 13/14 in place.

The two loop sections 12 are formed by stitching the ends of the longitudinal webbing 13 into loops. Two loop sections are desired for many stretching exercises; alternatively (although less desirable), the strap 10 may have only one loop section; e.g. one end of the webbing 13 terminates without a loop section.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 b and other figures, the handle loop in the loop section 12 starts immediately below the open end of the sleeve. In alternative embodiments, schematically shown in FIG. 5 a, the loop section 12 first extends downwardly from the end of the sleeve 11 without forming a loop, and a handle loop 12 a is formed in the lower part of the section. In other alternative embodiments, each loop section 12 may have two handle loops 12 a and 12 b as shown in FIG. 5 b, or more than two handle loops (not shown). In another alternative embodiment, the size of the handle loop is made adjustable by providing a buckle or other appropriate devices on the webbing.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 11 is approximately 6.5 inches long, but other appropriate lengths may be used, such as from 6.0 to 12.0 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the handle loops extend from the bottom end (the open end) of the sleeve by approximately 8.5 inches, but other lengths may be used, such as from 8.0 to 15.0 inches. The loop size may also be made adjustable as mentioned earlier.

In a preferred embodiment, the webbing material is cotton webbing approximately 1.5 inches wide; this type of webbing is sometimes referred to as yoga straps. Padding materials may be provided in the handle loops to provide more comfort to the user. The cross-sectional size of the sleeve is approximately 1 inch in diameter (or 1 inch square). This inner diameter is suitable for use with a 1-inch diameter stretch pole. The sleeve may have other inner diameters for use with difference sized poles. For example, a 1.5-inch diameter sleeve may be made with 1.5-inch wide webbing, or made with 1-inch wide webbing (in which case there will be gaps between the branches of webbings).

The stretch poles that can be used with the strap are typically made of steel or other strong materials. They may have a variety of lengths, such as 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 feet in length, and are approximately 1.0 inch in diameter. The typically have flat ends, and preferably have a cap made of rubber or other suitable materials to prevent slitting when placed on the floor.

The strap 10 may be used with the pole 20 for a variety of stretching exercises. In a first example, an upper and middle back stretch, the user fits the sleeve of the strap 10 over the top end of the pole 20, places the other end of the pole on the floor, places his hands in the two handle loops of the strap so the wrists rest against the webbing materials, and performs the stretch exercise by bending his upper body forward with his arms extended over his head and his wrist supported by the handle looks of the strap. In this exercise, a downward force is exerted on the strap 11, and the force is transmitted to the pole 20 by the closed top end 11 a of the strap which rests on the top end of the pole. In another example, the strap and pole are used in a manner similar to the upper and middle back stretch described above, but the user performs a lateral stretch by twisting his torso and bending his upper body.

In a third exercise, the user extends one arm behind his back, places that hand into a handle loop of the strap so the wrist rests against the webbing materials, uses the other hand to hold the pole substantially horizontally against his waist with the strapped end pointed backwards, and swings the pole to perform a pectoralis major and anterior deltoid stretch. In a fourth exercise, the user extends one arm up and places that hand into a handle loop of the strap so the wrist rests against the webbing materials, holds the pole under the other arm with the strapped end pointed upwards, and performs a rotator cuff stretch. In the third and fourth exercises, a sideward pull is exerted on the strap 10, and the force is transmitted to the pole 20 by the sidewall as well as the closed top end of the sleeve.

Compared to stretching exercise using only the stretch pole, the dynamic anchor strap according to embodiments of the present invention provides several advantages. First, the strap eliminates gripping of the stretch pole when executing stretches. When the user grips the stretch pole to execute an exercise/stretch, the muscles of the forearm fire. In addition, the stabilizer muscles of the shoulder fire (they are triggered by the gripping motion of the hand) in an attempt to stabilize the shoulder. The muscles that are activated or contracting inhibit the stretch being performed. By using the strap, the user places the strap at the wrist, resting against the forearm bones (i.e., the radius, ulna or both), without gripping. With the hand relaxed, the muscles of the forearm are relaxed. This relaxed state allows for the muscles to be stretched more effectively.

Second, the strap allows for various hand positions to be used with respect to the strap. When gripping a pole for stretching purposes, the palms of the hands must face the pole. The strap makes at least four hand positions possible: neutral (palms facing each other the pole), palms up, palms down, and palms out. Each hand position rotates the humerus (upper arm bone) in the shoulder girdle (glenohumeral joint or “ball and socket joint”). Since several muscles are attached to the humerus, the position of the humerus has a direct effect on the muscles being stretched. Thus by changing hand positions, specific muscles in the glenohumeral joint can be emphasized in the execution of the stretch. It should be noted that the strap is resting on radius and/or ulna of the forearm at the wrist. In the neutral position, the strap rests on the ulna. In the palms down position, the strap rests on both the (internal side of the) ulna and radius. In the palms out position, the strap rests against the radius. In the palms up position, the strap rests on both the radius and ulna.

Third, the strap offers the ability to execute stretches dynamically (i.e. while moving through a range of motion). Dynamic stretches are extremely important since they promote joint mobility through the full range of motion. This type of stretching has numerous therapeutic applications. Since there is no gripping with the strap and the wrist is free to rotate in the strap or move with the strap, the strap provides more movement freedom of the arm in executing a given stretch. Also because the strap extends roughly nine inches from the pole, the hand/wrist has significantly more movement freedom than gripping. The dynamic range (i.e., the distance from the hand (while in the strap) to the pole) is determined by the position and length of the handle loop in the loop section 12.

Fourth, the strap also greatly enhances static stretching. Without the need to grip, the muscles are more relaxed and enable the user to more effectively reach the stretch point in the muscle(s) being targeted for stretching. Because the pole is anchored to the floor with a heavy-duty rubber cap and, thus, serves as a stability/balancing bar, the user can perform a myriad of static stretches not possible without a pole and the strap.

Fifth, the strap is versatile. One strap can be used with one or both arms. To increase stretching dynamics, two straps can also be used simultaneous with two stretch poles. This enables the user to perform stretches of multiple muscle groups with both arms engaged in the straps. The user also has the option of using just one handle loop to perform stretches specific to one muscle group. With one hand free, the free hand can be used to aid in the execution of the stretch or provide stability/balance while executing a dynamic stretch through a wide range of motions.

FIG. 6 illustrates a strap 30 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the strap 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5 b, the strap 30 has a sleeve 31 with a closed top 31 a and an open bottom 31 b for fitting over an end of a pole. In this particular example, only one lateral webbing 35 is provided, and it is switched into a closed loop so that the sleeve 31 cannot be opened. This second embodiment can also have two lateral webbings to form a hook and loop system similar to the first embodiment. One main difference between the strap 30 of the second embodiment and the strap 10 of the first embodiment is that instead of a handle loop as in the first embodiment, each loop section 32 has a ring 36. The rings 36 may be made of metal, plastic or other suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the rings 36 are D shaped rings, but other shapes may be used. A separate handle loop (not shown in FIG. 8) may be hooked to each ring 36. Along with the separate handle loop, the strap 30 may be used in the same manner as the strap 10 of the first embodiment.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modification and variations can be made in the dynamic anchor strap of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A strap for use with a stretch pole for exercise, comprising: a sleeve having one closed end and one open end; and at least one loop section extending from the open end of the sleeve, the loop section having at least one handle loop.
 2. The strap of claim 1, comprising two loop sections extending from the open end of the sleeve, each loop section having one handle loop.
 3. The strap of claim 1, wherein the sleeve and the loop section are made of webbing materials.
 4. The strap of claim 3, wherein the sleeve is formed by a first webbing, a second webbing and one or more third webbings, wherein each of the first and second webbings form an upside-down U shape, with top sections of the respective upside-down U shapes overlapping each other in a perpendicular orientation and stitched together to form the closed end of the sleeve, the first and second webbings forming side walls of the sleeve, and wherein the one or more third webbings are wrapped around and stitched to sections of the first and second webbing that form the side walls.
 5. The strap of claim 4, wherein the first webbing has one or two loops formed by stitching at either or both of its ends, forming the at least one loop section with the at least one handle loop.
 6. The strap of claim 4, wherein each of the one or more third webbing includes a fastener for fastening for fastening an end of the third webbing to itself in a re-openable manner, whereby the sleeve section can be open or closed.
 7. The strap of claim 6, wherein the fastener is a fabric hook-and-loop fastener.
 8. The strap of claim 4, wherein the each of the one or more third webbings is stitched to itself to permanently close the sleeve.
 9. The strap of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one loop section further includes an extension section between the open end of the sleeve and the at least one handle loop.
 10. The strap of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one loop section has two or more handle loops.
 11. The strap of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one handle loop has an adjustable size.
 12. The strap of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is approximately 6 to 12 inches long.
 13. The strap of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one handle loop extends from the open end of the sleeve by approximately 8 to 15 includes.
 14. The strap of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
 15. The strap of claim 2, wherein the first and second webbings are approximately 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
 16. The strap of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one handle loop includes a padding material.
 17. A strap for use with a stretch pole for exercise, comprising: a sleeve having one closed end and one open end; and at least one loop section extending from the open end of the sleeve, the loop section having at least one ring.
 18. The strap of claim 17, wherein each of the at least one ring is formed of a rigid material and has a D shape.
 19. The strap of claim 17, wherein the sleeve is formed of a plurality of webbings, and wherein the loop section includes a webbing for attaching the at least one ring.
 20. The strap of claim 17, wherein the sleeve is formed by a first webbing, a second webbing and one or more third webbings, wherein each of the first and second webbings form an upside-down U shape, with top sections of the respective upside-down U shapes overlapping each other in a perpendicular orientation and stitched together to form the closed end of the sleeve, the first and second webbings forming side walls of the sleeve, and wherein the one or more third webbings are wrapped around and stitched to sections of the first and second webbing that form the side walls. 